EUGENE, Ore.—April 20, 2016— Ninkasi Brewing Company, an independent craft brewery based in Eugene, Oregon, announces a new look for its Flagship Series beers as it prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary. This month, craft beer drinkers can expect to see new packaging hit the shelf for three Flagship Series brands: Total Domination IPA, Tricerahops Double IPA, and Dawn of the Red, Red IPA.
Founded by Jamie Floyd and Nikos Ridge in 2006, Ninkasi has grown to become the 36th largest craft brewery in the United States, employing just over 100 with distribution in 14 states. The brewery first entered the Oregon craft beer scene with Total Domination, a quintessential Northwest India Pale Ale with a heavy hop hit. Still the number one selling IPA in Oregon, Total Domination established Ninkasi’s reputation for producing highly-hopped, yet balanced beers. Now crafting year-round styles for all palates, Ninkasi still prides itself on its IPA portfolio which includes Tricerahops Double IPA and Dawn of the Red, Red IPA, both available year-round from Ninkasi’s Flagship Series.
As the brewery heads into its second decade of brewing, it became clear that the time was right to revamp its core products to tell a bigger visual story. “We started Ninkasi with the intent to help foster community,” says Jamie Floyd, Ninkasi co-founder and founding brewer. “Art and music have always been at the center of everything we do.” Whether its recording artists at its in-house studio, crafting steel tap handles at its metal fabrication shop, or collaborating on a new project through its Artist in Residence program, Ninkasi’s passion for art resonates throughout the brewery. “As we celebrate a decade of brewing, it seemed like a natural time to give our brands an updated look that further expresses who we are and where we are going,” explains Floyd.
“These brands now better represent what we hold true to Ninkasi,” adds Nikos Ridge, Ninkasi CEO and co-founder. “We love our home in the Pacific Northwest, our access to the outdoors and the awesome cultural experiences that revolve around the unique passions and experiences that resonate here.”
Developed by Ninkasi’s in-house design team in collaboration with its Artist in Residence, gig poster artist Neal Williams, the art reflects the brewery’s move to a more art-forward aesthetic capturing the personality of each beer. Ninkasi has slowly evolved the look of its products with more art-forward packaging for year-round brands like Helles Belles Helles Lager and Easy Way IPA. “This new style celebrates our brand entering into a more art-focused look while also reflecting how our consumers have shown us they like to enjoy these beers,” says Ridge. “Whether that’s summiting a mountain with Total Domination IPA, celebrating with Tricerahops Double IPA, or watching a cult classic with Dawn of the Red.”
Total Domination IPA
Ninkasi’s first Flagship beer, Total Domination ranks as the top selling IPA in Oregon. Over the years, Ninkasi fans have demonstrated this beer is best enjoyed when exploring the great outdoors, no matter if it’s camping or mountaineering. The new look of Total Domination features a scenic mountain range, bringing the serenity and adventurous spirit of the Pacific Northwest to wherever this classic Northwest IPA is enjoyed.
Tricerahops Double IPA
Known for its colossal hop profile, Tricerahops Double IPA has garnered quite a fan-following. Often referred to as “the party animal,” this beer’s fun-loving nature and big hop profile keeps Tricerahops on the go-to list of many hopheads. With a refreshed look, the true nature of this beer is brought to life. Inspired in-part by Ninkasi’s in-house fabrication shop, the branding features a metal-constructed Triceratops overtaking a lost world.
Dawn of the Red, Red IPA
Ninkasi takes pride in embracing its nerdier side along with its rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Dawn of the Red, Red IPA combines both passions, featuring elements of a post-apocalyptic, zombie-ridden world. The updated look incorporates scenes from Eugene, including the city’s iconic Ferry Street Bridge crossing the Willamette River. Paired with a rock ‘n’ roll zombie hand, Dawn of the Red embodies the brewery’s animated character.
